March 20th

Well, we thought if we came to California we would be enjoying the sunshine....we are wearing C.R. clothing! It has been so windy and cold and tomorrow it is supposed to rain. I don't mind the cool weather, but Bill is not a happy camper not being able to 'bronze'. And Bob, well, he just doesn't want to come out of his case at all!
Had a wonderful trip to College of the Desert swap meet today. Always a good time and got some really cool stuff. We had a great lunch at Olive Garden and thank goodness for a very nice young man at Costo who fixed my glasses!!
It's been a nice relaxing evening hanging out and watching tv. Still trying to get my Tablet working properly. Soooo much to learn. Slowly but surely.
Had a wonderful dinner at Armand's the other day and the craft fair here at the park. Lots to do and see. Having such a nice relaxing time.
XXXOOO

Mar 16th day I don't even know....

A momma and her babes in our backyard.....

Well, it's been so long since we had internet, not even sure what day, what month, whatever! We left Black Meadow yesturday morning after a wonderful breakkie with Gaye and Graeme and the wonderful little restaurant at Black Meadow Landing where we were staying. We headed south and they headed north. Miss them already.

Had a great trip to Palm Springs. Stopped in Quartsite at this super 'bead' store and bought some great additions to my stash.... fun and different things. Got to talking to the owner and his father and 2 brothers live in C.R. Small world.

Was finally not raining while travelling. Bonus! We did though, hit a terrible accident on the freeway where 2 semi's collided. I have not heard what happened, but it did not look good.

We arrived at Caliente Springs in Sky Valley (outskirts of Palm Springs) about 2ish and checked into our beautiful park model. It is a palace. Has an incredible huge lanai attached and we overook the 5th hole of their golf course....grass, ponds, flowers, rabbits, ducks, Igrets, tanned dudes in shorts, and lots of golf balls. It is grrrrreat!

Met up with Bob and Judy and they cooked us din din. Awesome! They have a great place too not far from us. Got in touch with Armande who lives in our complex at home and she has been over a couple of times with 'Toby'. We're all going there for a B.B.Q. on Friday. Yum.

Judy, Carol and I are going shopping in the morn. Another Yum.

Got to watch American idol tonight. Thank goodness for TV....and 2 of them to boot!

Phoned Peg today and she is, thank goodness, feeling better. She has been so sick with a cold and caugh and still has the afteraffects. I hear that there have been a lot of flu and cold going around town that is putting people in bed for several days. Our hearts and good wishes go out to all our friends that have been stricken with these terrible little 'buggars' and hope that if you did succumb that you are on the road to recovery...

Our good wishes as well to Jim Sr. who is not well in his residence. We hope he gets better soon so we can get back to his story-telling.

Love and hugs to all....and yes, Bill has bronzed until he is looking like a native Californian and the weather has been in the high eighties. Sorry.

March 12, day 15

Well, we started off the day with a quick sit in the sun (very quick) and then off with Gaye and Graeme to the Parker Flea Market and then into the hills. Actually just got back from a wonderful drive (dusty, but incredible) through the mountains just out of Parker, Arizona, to a bar in the middle of no-where. So many vehicles and people you couldn't move and a live band on the mountainside. Wonderful experience. Lots of snowbirds and lots of botox! Never seen anything like it.

We spent last night at Karaoke and that was so fun to watch the old farts (older than us!) up there singing their little hearts out. A good time was had by all.

There is actually a dance tonight but we will be passing on that one as the guys are worried all the ladies will try to get them up to shake, rattle and roll....

The wifi here is, to say the least, sporatic, so havn't had a chance to get online for a few days, so hi to all from 90 degree Arizona!

On a sadder note, we learned that Jim Sr. is not doing very well in Campbell River and we all wish him a speedy recovery and as much peace as we can all muster....

love and hugs to all.

What else can you do on your birthday but catch a few 'rays'

March 8, Day 11...Bill's Birthday!

Well, better catch up with stuff...first time on a decent wifi for a few days. We made it to Sacramento and stayed in a very 'seedy' neighbourhood. Didn't of course know that at the time but it was a nerve wracking sleep..(which we didn't get much of). Then once more headed in the rain to Bakersfield where we changed it up and stayed at the Marriott and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Steve and Lori picked us up and we had a great dinner at the Black Angus. Got up early yesturday and headed to Lake Havasu. Again in the rain. We have had rain every day from home and even into the Mojave Desert. That's a first and we thought it was hailing for a sec until we realized that the wind was blowing rocks at us. Oh Brother...will we ever see the sun! Yes we did! When we were driving to havasu we thought why not just beetle on through to our first lengthy destination at Black Meadow Landing. They had our place available for an extra night so arrived here late afternoon and surprised Gaye and Graeme. Had a great dinner with them and off to bed early....still catching up on all the lack of sleep. Bed not too bad actually. This place (a park model of undetermined vintage) reminds me so much of my very first 'home away from home' when i was 18! Right down to the peeling wallpaper, torn pressboard and flopping curtains...but you know, it is fun and funky and we are enjoying it. No tv or radio, but i have now hooked up to the internet and that also is an experience, but at least it works....and thank goodness for Gaye's tv as i will be able to catch up with my American Idol (yuk as Bill says!) and all those other fun shows that us girls like!
Bill is having a wonderful birthday so far. His only wish was to finally relax from driving and stuff and sun himself. So ... he is getting a lot of 'rays' right now. If i can get the picture uploaded, he has made himself a very comfy bed on the picnic table and tempted to let 'Bob' join him as he has been holed up in my briefcase for far too long! Well, Haappy Birthdddaaay to my honey and will check in after the surprise party Gaye has planned for tonight!
Have a nice day to all my friends in the rain as we have finally done something right and found the sun....

March 5, day 8

Well, a very wet drive south from Eugene to Sacramento. Very stressful for Bill's drive. Got into a lot of heavy traffic and they DO NOT like to give way to anyone especially a foreigner!!! Had a lot of uturns. not fun when you don't know where you are going. Thank goodness, not too many more and we can take it easy and relax. ...

March 3/4, day 6/7

Spent a great day on Thursday the 3rd with Geri in La Conner. Fun adventure. No people, we had the streets to ourselves. We woke up fairly early and got a good start on Friday for the next leg of our adventure. We are now in Eugene, Oregon in a great Best Western.
It's raining now and i can't wait to get to the sunshine! Two more sleeps and maybe we can dry out....